Study Plan For Anesthesiology Oral Boards

In exactly five weeks, I’ll be in Raleigh, North Carolina to take the last exam which stands between me and board certification in anesthesiology – the applied exam consisting of the standardized oral examination (SOE) and a new objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).

Studying for this exam is unlike studying for any exam I’ve studied for thus far. Having knowledge is not enough. Because of the complexity of the exam and time constraints, practicing by verbalizing is absolutely essential. Candidates for board certification will need to express ideas clearly and concisely yet thoroughly in an organized fashion.

The SOE is what everyone is focused on as this is definitely going to be the more challenging portion of the applied exam. Two pairs of examiners will grade candidates in two different vignettes (the so called “long form” and “short form” scenarios) based on their ability to apply clinical knowledge, adapt to changing circumstances, display appropriate judgment regarding patient management, and organize information clearly.

I’m utilizing techniques and guides from Ultimate Board Prep in order to prepare for this exam. Five weeks left. 1,200-ish pages of study material while trying to balance my clinical duties as an ICU fellow. 😯

Ready. Set. Go!

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16 COMMENTS

  1. Hey Rishi,

    Congrats on passing the exam. Could you tell how much does the UBP primer cost and was it good. Any other source for oral board can you recommend as well please

    • I think all six books amounted to $600, but in hindsight, my residency training was the most helpful in preparing for oral boards. Didn’t really use anything else to prepare for the exam.

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